FINAL BILL REPORT

                  HB 1986

                         C 333 L 91

                     Synopsis As Enacted

Brief Description:  Providing for the protection and advocacy of the rights of developmentally disabled persons.

By Representatives Leonard, Cooper, Prentice, Ferguson, Sprenkle, Winsley, Appelwick, Braddock, Moyer, Locke, Paris, R. King, Wang, Valle, Ludwig, Kremen, Jacobsen, Dellwo, Holland, Inslee, H. Myers, Van Luven, O'Brien, Spanel, Mitchell, Brekke and Rasmussen.

House Committee on Human Services

Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care

Background:  Federal statute requires states to provide protection and advocacy for developmentally disabled and mentally ill persons.  Historically, the Washington Protection and Advocacy System (WPAS) has provided independent protection and advocacy services to developmentally disabled persons and mentally ill persons in the state of Washington. 

In addition to receiving federal monies, WPAS also received state funds through contracts from the Division of the Developmental Disabilities, Department of Social and Health Services (DDD).  These contracts however, did not ensure the independence of WPAS in providing protection and advocacy for these population groups.  Consequently, WPAS canceled the contracts effective September 30, 1990. 

Summary of Bill:  The governor will designate an agency for the protection and advocacy of the rights of persons with developmental disabilities and mental illnesses.  The designated agency shall be independent of any state agency that provides treatment or services other than advocacy services to persons with developmental disabilities.

An appropriate state official will serve as liaison between the agency designated to implement the protection and advocacy programs, and the state departments and agencies that provide services to the population.

Votes on Final Passage:

House  98   0

Senate 39   0

Effective:    July 28, 1991